in a history making move, pope benedict xvi changed the law of conclave. it allows the college of cardinals to skip the previously required 15-day waiting period before electing his successor. >> should do it as quickly as possible. >> i'm surprised. i thought it would take longer. >> the vatican would like a new pope in place before easter week begins march 24th. kpix 5's len ramirez tells us a former bay area archbishop will help select the new holy father. len. >> reporter: exactly right, cardinal william levada is familiar to many bay area catholics having served as the archbishop of san francisco. tomorrow he embarks on a historic trip. never before has a cardinal with such strong bay area ties traveled to rome to be part of the conclave that will choose the next pope. and the cardinal said today a lot would be on his mind. >> a map of faith, a map of prayer, a person who has shown qualities of leadership. >> reporter: cardinal levada one of the most powerful american in the catholic church listed some of the qualities he will look for when he goes to